Despite fashion's focus on statement neckwear these days, TV's biggest stars at the 61st annual Primetime Emmy Awards sported some amazing earrings, many styles of which popped brilliant color.
Necklines were clean, with strapless and single shoulder gowns the “it” style in bright hues ranging from deep blue and violet to coral and green, as well as shiny metallics. Trendy dresses trailed the carpet in draped, ruche, twisted, and wrapped designs for a Hollywood goddess look that was simply beautiful.
The heat in Los Angeles was certainly a factor in how celebs dressed this year, with many actresses wearing their hair in updos to keep damp locks off their jewel-barren necks. To accessorize, red carpet divas opted instead for chandelier-style or big drop earrings to rock some bling.
Carrie Ann Inaba, host of TV Guide Network's red-carpet show, hailed jewelry the highlight of style trends among attending glitterati. “I did see a little more glitter and glamour out there, which I love," she reported, noting that there were some great big chandelier earrings dusting bare shoulders in the crowd.
Ear This
But celebrities wishing to buck the expected white diamond look in chandelier earrings expressed their individuality by injecting bright color in the mix. Among the most interesting chandeliers were flaunted by “ The Insider” co-host Lara Spencer in turquoise and pink tourmaline, and “Extra” correspondent Lauren Sanchez in turquoise and gold—both by Neil Lane. Spencer also wore a turquoise and pink tourmaline cuff bracelet and pink tourmaline ring, and Sanchez sported a turquoise and gold knuckle buster—all ala NL.
Drops were big, too! Ranking favorites include the 15 carats of unheated ruby drop earrings by Lorraine Schwartz that “The Closer” star Kyra Sedgwick wore against her blush pink L'Wren Scott one-shoulder gown . The 11-carat unheated ruby ring by LS that she also had on wasn't too shabby either!
Other colorful lobe knockers were worn by “CSI Miami” star Eva La Rue in sizzling fire opal; “True Blood's” Carrie Preston in golden citrine; actress Sharon Lawrence in cool aquamarine (and awesome moonstone platinum ring); Karina Smirnoff, of “Dancing with the Stars”, in green beryl—all by Erica Courtney; and Jane Lipsitz of “The L Word” in dreamy blue topaz by Chad Allison.
Top trendsetter, supermodel Heidi Klum was stunning in a cluster of Lorraine Schwartz jewels including earrings from the designer's new black diamond tassel and knot collection, set with 90 carats of black diamonds. She also rocked three cocktail rings on one hand—black diamond and purple sapphire and white and black diamond, both in blackened gold, and diamond snake—all ala LS.
Ring True
Next to earrings, big honking rings scored high on the red carpet, most notable was the million dollar 60-carat blue sapphire ring crafted in blackened platinum by Lorraine Schwartz that “Samantha Who?” star Christina Applegate flaunted.
Other finger favorites include Kristin Chenoweth, who picked up an Emmy for her role on “Pushing Daisies” wearing a 15-carat cushion-cut aquamarine ring by Tiffany; and Drew Barrymore, nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for her performance in HBO's “Grey Gardens”, sported a 12.5mm South Sea Pearl ring embraced by 26 round diamonds totaling 46 points set in 18k-white gold by Anna Hu Haute Joaillerie (with classic 6mm pearl studs).
Brace Yourself
Very rarely do you see empty wrists on the red carpet these days. A true Hollywood style staple is an armful of bracelets or one behemoth burst of sparkle in a bold cuff or bangle that most often negate the need for any other jewel.
The trend is to either mix different types of bracelets together like actresses Alicia Wit in onyx and diamond; and “House” star Lisa Edelstein in pearl and diamond platinum wrist treats all by Neil Lane. Or, go for that statement piece, like “Gossip Girls'” Blake Lively, who flashed a one-of-a-kind rock crystal and diamond scale bracelet in platinum by Lorraine Schwartz.
Other bold examples include “The Office” star Kate Flannery in four strand pearl bracelet by Erica Courtney; and Toni Collette in a stunning 1920s jade bead and diamonds platinum bracelet by Fred Leighton—ideal accessory next to her newly acquired Emmy for best actress in the comedy series “United States of Tara”.
Up to Your Neck
Although necklaces were mostly nixed for the night, those who opted to decorate their décolletage chose gemstones. Two standouts on the red carpet were “Big Love” star Ginnifer Goodwin in rock crystal and rose gold necklace (and ring) by Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry that softly picked up a hint of her violet Yves Saint Laurent dress; and Mariska Hargitay, star of “Law and Order's Special Victims Unit”, wore a silver sheath Carolina Herrera gown with vintage inspired ruby and rose-cut diamond swag necklace in silver on gold by Fred Leighton.
Take Aways
» Despite fashion's fascination with the statement necklace, chandelier and drop earrings of gravitas are a sure thing on the red carpet, or any carpet for that matter, especially to infuse color, elongate the neckline, and frame the face.
» Women of style have never stopped toasting the cocktail ring, especially big, bold styles that exult a great gem center. BTW, it's okay to rock more than one.
» Bracelets, barring any snags with prong settings on delicate fabric, have remained a favorite accessory on the red carpet for stars who opt for either one bold piece or to layer different styles. Black and white motifs have been especially popular in diamonds, gems like onyx and rock crystal, and pearls.
» Favorite colors include shades of blue, purple, coral to red, and green. In gems think sapphire, turquoise, amethyst, garnet, tourmaline, coral, and jade.
